A compendious view of the grounds of the Teutonick philosophy : with considerations by way of enquiry into the subject matter and scope of the writings of Jacob Behmen, commonly called, the Teutonick philosopher : also several extracts from his writings and some words used by him explained

* What kind of Principle eternal Naturets. 59

here, is not a mere privation or non-entity 3 for if it were fo, God could not be faid to create the darknefs as the fcripture exprefly tells us: therefore we lay this as a ground, that this darknefs is effential, as being the root and ground of eternal Nature’s effence: but perfection not being here, God proceeds, and

In the fecond place, God out of that darknefs, brings forth the fire, being the fourth form of eternal Nature: its properties are fiercenefs, elevation, confuming and devouring all things that cannot endure its trial. It contains fulphur, fal-nitre, and mercury; it was no fooner added to that darknefs, but it communicated to it (as it were, life, fenfe, and motion, fo that they embraced each other moft willingly. The fire faid to the darknefs, I cannot fubfift without thee, for if 1 was not preferved in thy effence, as in a furnace, I fhould perifh and vanifh away. The darknefs. replied, Dear fire fpirit, live for ever in my center, for without thee I am as dead; thou art my life, and giveft me fenfibility and mobility; let us live together as members of eternal Nature in Jove and unity for ever.

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